Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21003, Oliver Drake, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Drake, Oliver Ruth
W 21003
CONTENTS

15317,
Massachusetts
Oliver Drake
of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a Pilot in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by Joel Reed in the _____ line for 8 mths.
Cont
Inscribed on the Roll of _____ at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of June 1833 and sent Hon J S Hodges Present
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $53.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept "
13.33
$66.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H Blair Clerk, Book _____, Vol. 2, Page 17,
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th Sept 1837 to 6 April 1838 the day of his death - age notified 31. Jan y 1839.
80 Bristol

Massachusetts Ruth Drake widow of Oliver Drake Esq. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of July 1848 and sent to Wm A. Hale Hof R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 41 , Vol. 2
Reported
Letter to C. Brannan, Augt 28, 1848, " " Hon A. Wheeler Augt 29, 48
Sub 1 decal. m. B.

22 060 Oliver Drake Massachusetts
1. In what position was he engaged? 2. How old is he? 3. His service, as directed in the form annexed. 4. How long is he? 5. His weight? 6. His hair? 7. His eyes? 8. His complexion? 9. His build? 10. His scars? 11. His marks? 12. His tattoos? 13. His birthplace? 14. His parents? 15. His children? 16. His education? 17. His occupation? 18. His habits? 19. His friends? 20. His enemies? 21. His enemies? 22. His enemies? 23. His enemies? 24. His enemies? 25. His enemies? 26. His enemies? 27. His enemies? 28. His enemies? 29. His enemies? 30. His enemies?
Howe J. L. Hodges
1. Before a judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 2. Was the declaration made before a Court or a judge? 3. (Vol. 518, page 123) 4. of the state of 5. in the case of 6. 1886

BRIEF in the case of  Oliver Drake  County of Bristol  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted In 17 75. 8 — private Gen. Capt Payson Col Reed  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Massachusetts  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Masett Examining Clerk.

I Jeremiah Richards of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts hereby certify and say that I am at this time the Clerk of the town of Sharon in said County of Norfolk, and have the custody and keeping of the Books and records of said town and that on those records it appears that Oliver Drake and Ruth Drake were married on the thirty first day of October Anno Domini one Thousand seven Hundred and Seventy nine by the Rev. Philip Curtis, which appears by an entry in the following words. Married by the Rev. Philip Curtis. Oliver Drake and Ruth Drake both of Stoughtonham. October thirty first Anno Domini one Thousand seven Hundred and seventy nine and I hereby certify that the above extract is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on record in fair legible figures as follows Oct. 31. 1879. October thirty first one Thousand seven Hundred and seventy nine
As this town at the time of their marriage was called Stoughtonham.
Sharon August the sixth day Anno Domini one Thousand seven Hundred and thirty eight.
Jeremiah Richards } Clerk of the State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk. } town of Sharon. Be it remembered that this sixth day of August in the year 1838 the above named Jeremiah Richards appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said county and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true Jeremiah Gould Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County & Common- wealth aforesaid hereby certify that Jeremiah Gould is a justice of the Peace within & for said County of Norfolk & that his signature to the within is genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this thirteenth day of August AD 1838
Jonathan H. Cobb

Oliver Drake
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. It appears to be a formal letter or account.]
Levi Company, masonry Billings & Stephen Hugh in the County of Stephen

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Bristol ss
On this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and of our Lady one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before Hobart Baylies judge of probate within & for the County of Bristol, the court of probate now sitting at Taunton in said County, W. D. L. Oliver Drake a resident of Mansfield in said County of Bristol labourer and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. — That he was born in a town then called Houghton Ham in the County of Suffolk, but now Shurton in the County of Norfolk in the Commonwealth aforesaid, as he was informed by his parents, on the fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & fifty four, that he resided in said Houghton Ham in the latter part of April or the fore part of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy five, at which time he enlisted as a volunteer in the army of the revolution into the Company of which Samuel Payson was Captain for the term of eight months, as a private soldier in said Company belonging to the regiment of which Joseph Reed was Colonel, that he did the duty of a private soldier in said Company in & near Roxbury in the then County of Suffolk during the said eight months, and was discharged, but not in Wightman, that Benjamin Billings of said Mansfield Esq. & Physician was a private soldier in said Company during the term aforesaid, and Samuel Billings of Foxborough in the County of Norfolk

Gentlemen, your Sergeant in said Company during the term aforesaid - and the reason why he is not produced as a witness in Court, is that he says he is over eighty years of age & very infirm, and that he knows of no other person now living who belonged to the said Payson's company. of his affidavit is herewith annexed - That he resided in the Town now called Sharon, where he was born until after peace of 1783 & afterwards removed to said Mansfield, where he has  resided ever since - That he has no documentary evidence of any of the above facts. That he marched from said Shouingtonham, through Shouington Milton & Dorchester to Roxbury and on duty in guarding the sea coast; the British ships of war then laying in & near Boston harbour; that he was in no battle and that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Oliver Drake
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year first aforesaid
H. Baylies, Judge of
NW. 6. 1832
We Benjamin Billings residing in Mansfield and David Gilbert residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Oliver Drake - who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about seventy eight years of age; that he is re- puted and believed, in the neighborhoods where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Benj. Billings David Gilbert
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year last aforesaid
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.

Nov. 6. 1832.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above-named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Benjamin Billings — who has signed the preceding certificate is — a — resident in the Town of Mansfield in said County of Bristol, and that David Gilbert who has also signed the same is a and are credible persons resident in said Town, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. V. Daryles, Judge of Probate.
weath of Massachusetts
Bristol ss.
I Johnson Bassett, Register of the court of Probate in and for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Drake of Mansfield in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Johnson Bassett

Ruth Drake widow of Oliver
Mass.
ad July 38
5 years.
married in 1779.
vol 15. 93 on Smohri
adm
Smohri
file 66.
deduct. died Capt 1808.
Pen: common capt 38.
H. Bapitt Taciton Mass.

State of Massachusetts { Bristol County {
On this seventeenth day of August, eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Honorable Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Bristol, Ruth Drake a resident of the Town of Mansfield in the said County of Bristol aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 7 day of July 1830, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Oliver Drake late of said Mansfield deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution.
She further declares that she has no documentary evidence of his service, and she cannot particularly describe it. She therefore refers to his declaration for a pension (and the accompanying evidence) made under the act of Congress of 4 June 1832, for proof of his services and merit in said war, which are now on file in the pension office at Washington, and upon which he was pensioned.
She further declares that she was married to the said Oliver Drake on the thirty first day of October in the year eighteen hundred and seventy nine and that her said husband the aforesaid Oliver Drake died on the sixth day of April eighteen hundred and thirty eight. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and and ninety four, with, at the time above stated, and that she has remained the widow of the said Oliver Drake ever since the time of his death, stated above, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof which is hereto annexed.
witness
James Cappersted Clement Leonard
Ruth Drake Mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written
Before Oliver Prescott.

I Oliver Prescott. Judge of the Court of the Court of Probate in & for the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachu- setts do hereby certify that Ruth Broke the foregoing applicant for a pension cannot by reason of bodily infirmity attend the Court Oliver Prescott.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. I Amos Root Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott, whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, is Judge of the Court of Probate in for said County - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this eighteenth day of August Eighteen hundred & thirty eight. A Root

Charles H. Davis Esq. 117 State St Boston
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas I, Franklin Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County, do hereby certify that Cornelius Leonard whose signature is affixed to the fore- going Certificate is a Justice of the Peace in for said County -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this eighteenth day of August Eighteen hundred & thirty eight -
F. Barrett

September 9, 1935
Oliver Drake-W.21003 Oliver Drake-S.35285 BA-J/AWF
Mr. Albert Scott Bryant North Leeds Maine
Dear Sir:
The data pertaining to Oliver Drake furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 21003, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
Oliver Drake was born February 5, 1754 in Stoughtonham, which was later Sharon, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, names of his parents not given.
While residing there, he volunteered the latter part of April or first of May, 1775, served eight months as private in Captain Samuel Payson's company, Colonel Joseph Read's Massachusetts regiment.
He continued to live in said Stoughtonham, until about 1783, when he moved to Mansfield, Bristol County, Massachusetts.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832, then a resident of Mansfield, Massachusetts. He died April 6, 1838, having lived a short time previous to his death with Stimpson Austin in said Mansfield; it is not stated that Stimpson Austin was a relative of the soldier.
This soldier, Oliver Drake, married October 31, 1779, Ruth Drake; they were both then of Stoughtonham, Massachusetts, and her name appears "Ruth Drake" on a copy of the marriage record found in the claim.
The widow, Ruth Drake, was allowed pension on her

application executed August 17, 1838, then living in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and aged seventy-five years. She continued to live there in 1848.
There is no reference to children.
*****
Oliver Drake-S.35265
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 35265, based upon the service of Oliver Drake in the Revolutionary War.
Oliver Drake was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, date not given, nor are the names of his parents shown.
He enlisted in June, 1775, place not stated, and served as a private in Captain Perry's company, Colonel Paul D. Sargent's Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged January 1, 1776. He enlisted January 1, 1776, served one year as private in Captain Perry's company, Colonel Sargent's regiment, and was in the battles "on the retreat from New York". He enlisted in June, 1780, served six months as private in Captain James Cooper's company, Colonel Bradford's Massachusetts regiment. He later served six months as a marine on the United States ship "Boston", Captain Samuel Tucker, cruised along the coast and took a number of prizes.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1818, then fifty-eight years of age and a resident of Monmouth, District of Maine.
He was living in 1820 in Sidney, Kennebec County, Maine. He died in the month of March, 1828.
There are no data in regard to his family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev
1938 Sept 9 - liish to albert S. Bryant
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21,003
Ruth Drake
Widow of
Oliver Drake
Rev Rev. War
Act: Feb. 2 nd
Index: Vol. 14 , Page 196
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Massachusetts - 435
Reuth Drake widow of Oliver Drake, deceased who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7, '32 and who died on the 6 th April 1828, of Bristol in the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] Reed in the [blank] line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of Sept r '38, and sent to A. B. [blank] Trenton, Mass.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept r $ 66.65 Semi-annual allowance ending 13.33
$ 79.98
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. B. [blank] Clerk Book A Vol. 1 - Page 82

Massachusetts, 435
Ruth Drake
widow of Oliver Drake
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 6 th April 1838 of Bristol in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the reg t commanded by Col. Reed in the Mass. _____ line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 26. Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836. Vending April 6. 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of February 1843 and sent to Elijah Clark Brighton, Mass.
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 82
A new certificate was issued in this case under the opinion of the Attorney General of the 2 d . Sep. 1842, which was given in consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 16 th of August 1842.
Reported

1765 Massachusetts
Hulda Drake
widow of Oliver Drake who was a Private
in the Mass line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Sept, 1843 and sent to
A. Bassett Taunton Mass
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 40.
P. S. 4

Oliver Drake Mass. act 7. June when last fed? G.M.C.
20 Sept 38.
p. 4. March 480 gr. The Agent has not returned this pen binner to the T Corp. under act 6 April 1838.
O.H.

I Samuel Billings of Foxborough in the County of Norfolk Gentleman being eighty one years of age, and being so infirm that I am unable to attend court, do testify & say that I was a sergeant in the company of Capt. Samuel Payson & Regt. of Col. Joseph Reed in the eight months service in 1775 near Boston in the army of the Revolution in the Massachusetts line & that Oliver Dike of Mansfield in the County of Bristol did the duty of a private soldier in said company during the term of eight months.
Sam l Billings Bristol J g August 4 th 1832 then the above Samuel Billings made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me David Gilbert Justice of the peace

I hereby certify that the within named James Belknap is as now of the true and correct copy of the original of the same David G. Merrill Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that David Gilbert is a Justice of the Peace in the said County and duly qualified to administer oaths, and that the signatures to the Certificates on this piece of paper purporting to be his are his genuine signatures — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 20 th day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty two — Anselm Barrett

Recommendations of Mr. ... with S. ... and for this ... which is a part of the ... also qualified to ... reputation to be ... in testimony whereof ... and the seal of this ... 20th day of December ... and this ... James ...
I hereby certify that the within named ... Billings is as man of the truth & vivacity
David Gilbert Justice of the Peace

Ruth Drake N
aa 1765
admitted
A. Kealo HofR

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss.
I James Spratt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Bromfield Dwight Esq. whose signature is affixed to the within Certificate, is a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Taunton, this fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
J. Spratt

State of Massachusetts Bristol County - ss
On this fifth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight. Personally appeared before me Cromwell Leonard one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the said County of Bristol. Ruth Drake a resident of Mansfield in said County of Bristol, aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress of 1832 1832 passed on the 2 d February 1832 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Oliver Drake who was a private in the said war, and served a number of terms, or campaigns, in the said war. She does not know the name of the colonel or any of the other officers under whom he served but she refers to the Declaration of her late husband said when he applied for a pension under the act of Congress of 1832, & also her own declaration under the acts of Congress of 1832, 1832 or 1843, which are now on file in the war office at Washington.
She further declares, that she has received under the Acts of Congress of 1830, and 1844, twenty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, and also, that she is still a widow.
witness - Josiah H. H. H.
Ruth her Drake mark
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year above written
Before me, Cromwell Leonard Justice of the Peace
And I do further certify, that the above Ruth Drake the declarant, is the identical person who drew a pension as above stated by her, and that she is personally known to me
Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace

1979
Ruth Drake
$26:66 per am
A. Bafsett Taunton Mass

State of Massachusetts } Bristol County } ss.
On this eighth day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Bristol, Ruth Drake a resident of Mansfield in the said county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged eighty - years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the third day of March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, — That she is the widow of Oliver Drake who was a private and served several campaigns or terms of service in said war. But by reason of her age, and the impaired state of her memory she is unable to declare the exact amount of the services, or the officers under whom he, the said the said Oliver Drake, her late husband served but refers to the proof now on file, in the pension office at Washington, and which was annexed to her declaration that she made at the time she was pensioned, under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838. by which she was allowed twenty six dollars and sixty six cents annually from the time of the death of her said late husband the said Oliver Drake deceased, up to March 4 th 1841. And since the last mentioned date, namely, the present year, she has received the arrears of her pension an amount sufficient to make her up in the whole, five years pension agreeably to the provisions of the said act of July 7 th 1838. as it is now construed & understood.
She further declares that she is still a widow, and has never intermarried since the death of her late husband the said Oliver Drake deceased.
Reference to the affidavit of Elnathan Williams which is hereto annexed.
Ruth her Drake Mark
witness James Carpenter
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written by the said Ruth Drake who is to me personally known
Before me Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace
Certify

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. Daniel Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Cromwell Leland whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificates was at the date thereof and still is a Justice of the Peace in for said County -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twelfth day of June 1843 - D Bassett

I Stimson Austin of Mansfield in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts being forty eight years of age do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Oliver Droke of said Town of Mansfield deceased, and that the said Droke was a Revolutionary pensioner, and that he died on the sixth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. I know this fact for I saw him immediately after he died, on the said sixth day of April, and he lived in my family the greatest part of the time during the year for next, previous to his death. I do further testify and say that I am acquainted with Ruth Droke widow of the said Oliver Droke, and that she has not intermarried with any person since the death of the said Oliver Droke but remains the widow of the said Oliver Droke up to the present day.
Mansfield 9 th August. 1838.
Stimson Austin
State of Massachusetts
Bristol County } on the 9 th day of August 1838 Then personally appeared Stimson Austin Subscribed to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its parts.
Before me Brown Leonard Justice Peace
And I do further certify that the said Stimson Austin is a Credible, & disinterested witness.
Brown Leonard Justice Peace

I Richard Briggs, a clergyman, residing in Mansfield in the County of Bristol, hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Oliver Drake of said Mansfield for more than twenty years, who has made application for a pension, under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832; that I believe him to be about seventy eight years of age; and he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have and been a soldier of the revolution, and that I concur in that opinion
Richard Briggs
Bristol Js November 5 th 1832 Then the above named Richard Briggs personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed —
Before me David Gilbert Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol Js. I Anselm Bassett, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that David Gilbert, the Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths & that the signature to the above certificate, purporting to be his is his genuine signature —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twentieth day of December Eighteen hundred & thirty two — Anselm Bassett

I Benjamin Billings of Mansfield in the County of Bristol & commonwealth of Massachusetts Esq. & Physician and a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society; At a probate Court held at Boston Taunton within & for said County of Bristol, on 15 th day of November August one thousand eight hundred & thirty two, before the Honorable Zebediah Baylies Judge of probate for said County, in open Court being first duly sworn, do testify & declare, that Oliver Drake of said Mansfield laborer, who applies for a pension, under the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832, in the month of April or May 1775, enlisted into a volunteer company raised by Captain Samuel Payson, for the term of eight months; of which the said Payson was Captain; that at the time said Drake enlisted he resided in the town then called Stoughton-Ham in the then County of Suffolk, but since called Sharon in the County of Norfolk; that he marched from the place of his residence with said Company to Roxbury, near Boston, the British troops then having the possession of Boston; that said Company belonged to the Regiment of which Joseph Reed was Colonel; that said company was stationed in said Roxbury, & in the neighboring towns, to guard the sea coast, during the term of said eight months, the British fleet, then lying in or near Boston harbour; that the said Drake did duty in said Company during the said term of said eight months & was discharged or dismissed at the expiration of said term of eight months, but not in writing, I further testify & say, that the reason why I know the above facts, is because I was well acquainted with the said Drake, that I resided in the town of Stoughton-ham aforesaid, in the year 1775 & many years before that time, & that in the month of April or May 1775, I enlisted into the Company of the said Captain Samuel Payson for the term of eight months, & did duty in said company & Regiment with the said Drake in the places & manner above described, & at the expiration of the said term of eight months, was discharged or dismissed with the rest of said company, but not in writing - I further testify & say that Samuel

Billings of Foxborough in the County of Norfolk was a Sergeant in in said Captain Samuel Payson's Company in the said eight months service; & that in my opinion he is too old & infirm to attend Court. I further testify & say that during the war of the Revolution I removed to said Mansfield, & have resided there ever since; & that some time after the peace of 1783 the said Oliver Drake removed to said Mansfield into my neighborhood & has resided there ever since, & that I believe that said Drake is about seventy eight years old for I always considered him several years older than myself. I further testify & say that he the said Drake is considered a man of truth & veracity by his neighbours.
Benj ng Billings
Bristol Jn. Nov. 6. 1832 Benjamin Billings made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed Before me A Bussitt Justice of the Peace -
I certify that Benjamin Billings who signed I made oath to the truth of the above affidavit is a disinterested & credible witness - A Bussitt Just. of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol Jn. I Anselm Bussitt, Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County of Bristol do certify that I am a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol & duly qualified to administer oaths and that my signature is to the above certificate - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twentieth day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty two - Anselm Bussitt -

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 22, 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The Widow of Oliver Drake, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Twenty Six Dollars and Sixty Six Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept., 1837, to the 6 th April, 1838, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
Wilson H. Parrish Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Oliver Drake which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? Yes IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Clergyman Only
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Witnesses
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Answered
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Cale
Paid -
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

892
899
Norton Bristol County Mass ts Aug 22 d 1848.
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions -
Dear Sir,
In the month of July last, I prepared and sent to your office through the hands of The Hon. Artemas Hale a member of Congress of this district, the applications of Sarah Money, Wealthy Godfrey, Jermina Farrington, Martha Grover, Ruth Drake, Asfna Cobb, Sarah Ward, Experience Dunham, & Miriam King. Nine in number, for a renewal of their Scutell Pension: subsequently seven of the number received returns and were replaced on the Pension list, but two, to wit, Anna Cobb, & Ruth Drake, have not been returned, They are like many other applicants, very old & very needy , And if their claims can be examined and their certificates sent to me so they can receive their semiannual pensions at the usual time to wit 4 th Sept r it would be a blessing to them. I suppose there can be no doubt with regard to the justice of their claims - May I not hope to receive them soon? -
Respectfully yours
Cromwell Leonard

Bridgewater Mass. Aug. 25 th 1845
Sir
Some time before I left Washington I received from Governor Leonard Day of Norton Mass. several applications for pensions, which I sent to your office - I afterwards received certificates for a number of them, and as I then supposed all that had applied -
I am now informed by Mr. Lean - and that there were no certificates for Anna Cobb and Ruth Drake, nor any reply to their applications -
Will you, Sir, be so good as to inform me if these applications have been received, and if so - to send me these certificates - if the evidence is sufficient to entitle them to them -
Very Respectfully
Yours
J. S. Edwards Esq
Stearns Hale

June 14. 1843.
TAUNTON JUN 12 MASS.
J. H. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Fauntleroy Mass. June 12. 1843
Sir,
With this you will have the application of Ruth Drake for a pension under the Act of Congress of March 3. 1843.
Any communication which you may be pleased to make relative thereto may be made to me -
Very Respectfully Your obedt Servt
A Bassett
H. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington - D.C.

Brighton Jan'y 16. 1843
Dear Sir,
I enclose to you herewith the claims of Mrs. Bethiah Clark, Mrs. Annie Boothe & Mrs. Ruth Drake, for arrears of Pension.
Very Resp'tly Yours Colt Stur Elijah Clark
Wm J. L. Edwards commissioner of Pensions at Washington,

I Ebenezer Williams of Mansfield in the county of Bristol being over sixty years of age, do hereby testify & say that I was well acquainted with Oliver Drake late of said Mansfield deceased and also with Ruth Drake who was his wife, and is now his relict. And I do further testify & say that the said Ruth Drake has not intermarried since the death of her said husband the said Oliver Drake, & that she is still living & resides in said Town of Mansfield. And I do further testify & say that I have no interest whatsoever in the obtaining of a pension for the said Ruth according Drake according to the Act of Congress of March 3 d 1843. Dated at Mansfield June 8 th 1843. Ebenezer Williams
State of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. June 8 th 1843. Then Ebenezer Williams subscribed to the above affidavit to me personally known, a Comdable witness personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above stated made by him. Before me bro't Leonard Justin Pease.

Plains of Ruth Drake Ruth Drake Mansfield Mass.
act. 7 July 38
26.66 from 4 March 36 to 6 apt '38
Elijah Clark Brighton Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol ss
On this fourteenth day of January eighteen hundred and forty three. Personally appeared before me Solomon Pratt a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Bristol. Ruth Drake, a resident of Mansfield in said County, seventy nine years of age, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the fourth of March 1836, to the sixth day of April A.D. 1838, from which period she has been already paid under the act of the seventh of July 1838, and the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Oliver Drake who was a private in the Revolutionary War, that her pension was allowed at the rate of twenty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, and was paid to her at the agency at Boston in the State of Massachusetts, and further she saith not.
Ruth Drake
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before Me, Solomon Pratt Justice of the Peace Bristol ss. Mansfield January 14 th 1838.
I hereby certify that Ruth Drake who has signed the above declaration is well known to me to be the widow of Oliver Drake of this town deceased, and it is generally reputed that the said Ruth Drake has formally received a pension from the United States.
Solomon Pratt Justice of the Peace

Yours sincerely J. W. Foster
Dear Sir,
On this point I am of the opinion that the law of the land is against the practice of the practice of the law in and for the land of Britain. But I think a majority of the lawyers, though some of them are of a different opinion, are willing to have that on the following declaration in order to obtain the amount peculiar to the claim from the family of the late. To the best of my knowledge, from which she has been clearly shown since the end of the July 1885, and the statement for the the version of Oliver, that she was a friend in the Revolutionary War. But her presence was ordered at the rate of twenty-five dollars and fifty cents per annum, and was paid to her at the age of 80. I believe Elizabeth of Elizabeth
Secretary's Office January 15, 1843
I hereby certify that at the date of the within attestation Simon Pratt was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol
Return to the sender
Colonel P. B. Fitzgerald
Secretary of the Pennsylvania

I Ebenezer Williams of Mansfield in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts, being, Sixty two years of age do testify & say, that I am acquainted with Ruth Droke widow of Oliver Droke late of said Mansfield deceased, and that the said Ruth Droke has not intermarried with any person since the death of the said Oliver Droke but now remains his widow. and I do further testify & say that the said Oliver Droke died in the month of April in the year 1838. I do not now recollect the exact day of his the month that the death of the said Oliver Droke took place, but believe it was on the sixth day of the said month of April - and I know the fact of the death of the said Droke because I assisted in laying out his body at immediately after his decease
Mansfield 8 th Aug. 1838.
Ebenezer Williams
State of Massachusetts } Bristol County } ss. August 8. 1838. Then personally appeared Ebenezer Williams subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its parts. Before me Brown Leonard Justice Peace And I do further certify that the said Eben r Williams is a credible and disinterested witness.
Brown Leonard Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. At a Probate Court held at Dighton in and for said County of Bristol on the fourth day of January A.D. 1833 -
The subscriber, Judge of Probate for said County of Bristol, hereby certifies that Richard Briggs, whose affidavit is annexed to the declaration of Oliver Drake for a Pension, is a Clergyman residing in Mansfield in said County of Bristol - I further certify that, in my opinion, the said Drake could not, without too much expense & inconvenience to him, have produced said Briggs in Court - H. Gaylies, Judge of Probate for said County of Bristol.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett, Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that the Rev. Nodijah Gaylies, is Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Bristol, and that the above signature purporting to be his, is his true and genuine signature - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this fifth day of January Eighteen hun- dred and thirty three. Anselm Barrett

Washington March 7 th 1837
I hereby certify that the foregoing witnesses Brig d Billings & David Gilbert are entitled to full belief in their Testimony.
James L. Hodges,

Oliver Drake
22160

From, Mass. soldiers and sailors in Rev. War Vol. I, page 247
Andrews , Ephraim. Private, Capt. Stephen Smith's co.; enlisted Sep. 14, 1775; discharged Dec. 31, 1775; service 3 mos. 24 days, at Machias; also, Capt. Jabes West's co. ; enlisted Oct. 14, 1776; discharged Nov. 23, 1776 ; service, 1 mo. 9 days; company raised for defence of Machias and Expedition against Nova Scotia; also, Capt. Joseph Sevey's co., Col. Benjamin Foster's (Lincoln Co.) regt.; enlisted June 23, 1777; discharged July 16, 1777; service 23 days at Machias, when ship "Ambuscade" lay in the harbor, and until relieved by Col. John Allan ; also, Lieut. John Scott's co., 6th Lincoln Co. regt.; pay roll for 8 days service between Aug. 31, and Nov. 20, 1779.
Ephraim Andrews and wife Kasia-----, were early settlers in the township now called Leeds, Me.; their 1st child Abram was born here Dec. 13, 1780. only child

From, Mass.soldiers & sailors in Rev.War
Vol. VI, page 672.
Gould , Isaac. - Private, Capt.Lawrence Kemp's co., Col. Leonard's regt.; enlisted Feb.23,1777; dis- charged Apr.10,1777; service,47 days, at Ticonder- oga; also, Capt. Samuel Taylor's co. Col. Porter's regt.; enlisted July 10,1777; discharged Aug.12, 1777; service, 38 days, travel included; company marched from Charlemont to reinforce Northern army after the evacuation of Ticonderoga.
Isaac Gould (born 1764) and wife Affia -----. were early settlers in that part of Livermore,Me. which was set off to Leeds in 1802, their son William was born in Livermore Aug.30,1788.

From, Mass.soldiers & sailors in Rev. War Vol.IV, page 952.
Drake , Oliver. Taunton, Private, Capt. James Perry's co., Col. Paul Dudley Sargent's regt.; muster roll dated Aug. 12, 1775; enlisted July 4, 1775; service, 1mo. 11days; also, company return dated Oct. 6, 1775; also, order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated Camp before Boston, Nov. 14, 1775; also, Capt. James Perry's co., 16th regt.; enlisted Jan. 1, 1776. (service not given).
Same Vol. and page.
Drake, Oliver. Stoughtonham, Private, Capt. Samuel Payson's co., Col. Joseph Read's (20th) regt.; Muster roll dated Aug. 1, 1775; enlisted May 1, 1775; service, 3mos. 8days; also, company return (probably Sep. 1775); also, order for bounty coat or its equi- valent in money dated Dec. 29, 1775; also, Capt. Edward Bridge Savell's (Stoughtonham) co., Col. Gill's regt. ; service, 5 days; company marched to Dorchester Hills March 4, 1776, on an alarm; roll sworn to at Boston; also, Capt. Robert Swan's co., Col. Benjamin Gill's regt.; service, 24 days; company marched to Bristol, R.I., Apr. 18, 1777; Roll dated Stoughton.
Oliver Drake and wife Phebe, were early settlers in Littleborough now Leeds, 1st child born here 1780

North Leeds, Me.
Aug. 26, 1935
Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir's:-
I am
inclosing War records of soldiers who served in Rev. War. Will you kindly send me such information as you may have regarding these soldier's,
Yours Truly
Albert Scott Bryant
5-1

September 9, 1935
BA-J/AWF
Mr. Albert Scott Bryant North Leeds Maine
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you quote the records of the following soldiers as found in "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War: Ephraim Andrews, Isaac Gould, Oliver Drake of Stoughtonham, and Oliver Drake of Taunton, and request that you be furnished information relative to these soldiers.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited clerical force available for furnishing such data, it has not been possible to comply in full with each request which required such an amount of time and research.
The records of Oliver Drake of Stoughtonham and Oliver Drake of Taunton, Massachusetts are furnished you herewith, as found in pension claims based upon their service.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator